Democrat Bill Clinton is elected US president by defeating the incumbent, George Bush.

1990

Broadway actress Mary Martin dies in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 76.
Did you know? Mary played the title role in the 1955 TV production of Peter Pan. She was also the mother of actor Larry Hagman.

1972

Carly Simon and singer-guitarist James Taylor are married in New York City.
(photo credit: Elektra Entertainment)

The Sputnik II Earth satellite is launched by the USSR with a dog, Laika, as passenger.
Did you know? The satellite was not designed for a safe landing; Laika was put to sleep a week into the mission. Sputnik II stayed aloft for nearly six months.

1936

US president Franklin D. Roosevelt wins by a landslide in his first of three reelection bids.